RTE is set to air a Late Late Show special tonight (Tuesday) in honour of former host, Gay Byrne.
Following a lengthy battle with cancer, the 85-year-old sadly passed away earlier this week.
The acclaimed broadcaster began working on the chat show in the early 60’s, and continued to do so for a further 37 years, until he retired in 1999.
In a touching tribute to the late star, RTE will produce a 90 minute special, with contributions from his colleagues and friends, including Pat Kenny, Bob Geldof and Mary McAleese.
Following the news of his passing, RTE Director General, Dee Forbes said, “We are all greatly saddened by the passing of Gay Byrne who has been a household name in this country for so many years.
“Gay was an exceptional broadcaster whose unique and ground-breaking style contributed so much to the development of radio and television in this country.”
She continued, “Gay’s journalistic legacy is as colossal as the man himself – he not only defined generations, but he deftly arbitrated the growth and development of a nation.
“Ireland grew up under Gay Byrne, and we will never see his like again. My deepest sympathies to Kathleen and his family.”
The show will air tonight on RTE One at 9.35pm.